Whole linted cottonseed meal (Gossypium hirsutum L.) protein and fiber degradability in the rumen

Abstract

Evaluation of “in situ" degradability of DM, CP and ADF of whole linted cottonseed (WLC) when used up to 15% of the diet (dry matter basis), replacing cottonseed meal, was the main purpose of this experiment. Sorghum silage (SS) was the only roughage. Ruminal pH and rumen kinetics were also evaluated. Nine ruminal canulated steers were used in a
3 x 3 change-over design to evaluate the following treatments: A = 0% WLC; B = 6.6% WLC; and C = 15.0% WLC. Sorghum silage contributed with 70% in all three treatments. DM degradability at 48h incubation time was statistically different (p < 0.05) (A = 54.4%; B = 54.2% and C = 58.7%), as well as PB degradability at 12h (A = 40.3%; B = 47.7% and C = 53.1%) and ADF degradability at 48h (A = 40.3%; B = 41.2% and C = 45.6%). Ruminal volume, turn overtime and ruminal pH weren’t affected by the experimental diets. Substitution of WLC for cottonseed meal up to 15% diet increased degradability of DM, CP and ADF of WLC.